Jodhpur- The Blue City

Jodhpur :
The city that's brimming with sunshine all around the year - Jodhpur reflects the joys of life. Protected by high stone walls and majestic gates, the second largest city of Rajasthan is a part of desert triangle trip and known for maintaining its rustic rajput splendour and stories of valour. Also, the place charms tourists for the choicest collection royal artifacts and wooden furniture.

Climate :
Summer : 48 °C (Max) - 25 °C (Min)
Winter : 32 °C (Max) - 5 °C (Min)
Rainy Season : July to September, 300 mm rainfall
Best time to visit : November to March

Main Attractions : Umaid Bhawan Palace, Havelis, Mehrangarh Fort, Osian temples.

Location :
Geographic : Located in the heart of Rajputana is the former princely state of Jodhpur.
Famous for: As the Blue city for a multitude of blue houses which dot the city.

How to Reach Jodhpur :
By Air : Jodhpur is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur & Jaisalmer.
By Road : Udaipur- eight hours, Jaipur - seven hours, Ajmer - four hours, Ahmedabad, 10 hours.
By Railways :Jodhpur is well connected to Jaipur, Bikaner, Ahmedabad & Delhi.

Attractions :
The city also known as the Sun City for its bright, sunny weather is more commonly known as the Blue City due to the blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan who founded the famous state of Marwar, the city located on the ancient road linking Delhi to Gujarat prospered from a flourishing trade & became a fief under the Mughal Empire. Thus years of prosperity now dots the city in the form of exquisite Palaces, Forts & temples all of which may be enjoyed as part of Jodhpur's city tour.

Some of prime tourist places in Jodhpur are -

Mehrangarh Fort :
One of the largest forts in the world, Mehrangarh, situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city, is enclosed by massive ramparts. Ensconced within are majestic palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. The fort has been the scene of many pitched battles as can be estimated by the imprints of cannonballs on the fort walls. The fort has seven gates- Jayapol (meaning 'victory'), Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory') gate to commemorate the defeat of the Mughals amongst others. In addition the museum within has one of the best collections in India with exhibits such as royal palanquins, arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms.

Umaid Bhawan Palace :
Completed in 1943, after employing more than 5000 men for fifteen years the grand Umaid Bhawan Palce is a unique architectural achievement, built without using mortar or cement to bind stones together, also, it is designed in such a manner that it always maintains the temperature at approximately 23 degrees Celsius. The palace grounds cover 26 acres with extensive lawns & present an excellent blend of eastern and western architectural influences. The imposing exterior is complemented by the lavish interiors with gilt furniture and elegant artwork. The grand palace marks a transition as it were of the Rajputana into the 20th century, from the Mehrangarh to the Umaid Bhawan, both of which are the high points of Jodhpur city tour.

Osian Temples :
Osian is famed for its cluster of beautiful but now ruined Brahmanical and Jain temples dating to the 8th century AD. The most prominent amongst the cluster of 18 major temples are the Surya temple devoted to the Sun lord, the Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the most famous & embellished Jain temple, dedicated to the Lord Mahavira.

Cities near Jodhpur :